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Inhale and Exhale ~ Just Breathe

10/20/2019

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Do you ever find yourself holding your breath, without really realizing it? Perhaps I notice it more for myself because I am often reminding clients to "take a breath" while they are on the table. 

With so many benefits, why wouldn't you take a deep breath? Deep breathing:
  • calms the mind and the nervous system bringing increased relaxation
  • increases your oxygen intake and that's good for the entire body
  • exercises the intercostal muscles (muscles between the ribs) and diaphragm
  • calms anxiety and stress
  • improves cellular regeneration
  • strengthens the blood and the release of toxins
  • ​improves digestion

There are many breathing techniques that you can experiment with, here is one...
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How and when we breathe has a direct impact on both our body and our mind so make yourself a note to "JUST BREATHE"!
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How I Change It Up ~ Summer to Autumn Selfcare

10/13/2019

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Helping Body, Mind and Spirit transition selfcare through the seasons

 takes some thought and planning, but you can make it easier.
Autumn Selfcare Massage with Teresa Graham RMT in Calgary
Shifting Self Care from Summer to Autumn
Where I currently live Autumn comes roaring in with sudden colder temperatures and often some snow. Yet this season is still a favourite with the gorgeous colours of reds, oranges and yellows, and the crisp, fresh scents that permeate the air. My self-care routines do shift quite a lot for the Fall though, as I find myself spiraling inwards in both body and mind. 

Falling into Self-Care Activities

Self Care Activity for Autumn
Shimmies warm you from the inside out!
Outdoors is my go-to through most of the year if I'm not at work. While I still get out as much as I can the  chilling winds drive me indoors for many Autumn days.  That's when hiking and nature walks shift to Belly Dance. The music goes on, the hip scarves come out and I shimmy all over the house. It lifts my mood as much as a hike does.  The yoga mat moves from the grass to the carpet and I stretch in and out of myself after a good dance workout.

This isn't to say that I don't go outside. I consciously switch up my daily routines to experience as much exposure to daylight as I possibly can. The light on the forehead stimulates the pituitary gland which is important for increasing serotonin (mood stabilizer) production. That's to say nothing of the benefits from sunshine doses of Vitamin D and also, just how good it feels to be out in the fresh air. 

But I do admit that the biting cold wind drives me indoors as the season progresses.

Self Massaging Autumns Dryness Away

Massage is good for moisturizing Autumn dried skin with Teresa Graham, RMT CalgarySelf Massage rituals to moisturize your skin
This year the dry weather seems to have arrived a little earlier and my skin regime has already needed to change. Increased dry brushing to get rid of dead skin cells and LOTS of moisturizing. I make moisturizing a self-massage ritual. Usually coconut oil, blended with favourite essential oils and massaged into muscles, joints and skin. This increased and focused touch is a great way to improve body awareness plus skin that just feels good to live in.

For my scalp and hair I use warmed coconut or sesame oil to nourish and nurture. Wrapped up in a towel for a few hours my upper being absorbs all the goodness.

Lots and lots of Massage Therapy

Teresa Graham RMT in Calgary
Fall and winter are busy times for Massage Therapists and the need for my own muscle maintenance increases as my work load does. There are other reasons that I go more often for these essential, healthy sessions. With more clients coming in I ensure I am doing all that I can to keep my Immune system strong and healthy, and Massage Therapy helps with that. It also encourages me to relax and de-stress so that my sleep improves...all great immune boosting stuff!

With the shift in my activities I use my muscles in different ways and so those shimmying hips and dance leg muscles require some extra attention in staying loose and flexible.
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Seasonal Eating Selfcare

Take care of you, naturally.Seasonal and Fresh foods for your dietary self care
Do you also prefer warm foods in your tummy when the weather is colder outside? There is nothing quiet like a steaming bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. Or starting the day with a bowl of oatmeal and warmed fruit.

Preferring to buy local and fresh my self care nourishment includes lots of squash, kale, beets, carrots, apples and pears blended into stews, soups, oatmeal and other deliciousness. The addition of warming spices such as cinnamon, clove, curry, nutmeg speak to my soul this time of year.

Cozying up to Self Care

Cozy times for Autumn self care
The meditative rhythm of a cat purring = priceless
My cat is the main instigator of this self care change. As the weather becomes colder she loves to cuddle up and I have to admit that the rhythm of her purr is comforting and somewhat meditative. So in preparation some extra blankets are on the couch, scented candles and incense are nearby, along with some good books and spicy herbal teas. 

Cozy times also include more bath time than during the summer. There is nothing quite like allowing that hot and healing moist heat to fully embrace my skin, muscles and bones. Comforting scents of essential oils and herbal tea round out this sanctuary for me.

While  my garden is hibernating my creative interests also move indoors and kitty often likes to sit and watch as I craft, sew, make candles,lotions, etc. and she purrs in approval of quieter times.

How do your self care rituals change through the seasons?

When you have to stay indoors rather than be outside, what do you do for self care?

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Autumn Massage Sessions Bring Healthy Benefits

10/9/2019

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​The colder weather is definitely upon us and the season has quickly changed from Summer to Fall. Did you know that Massage Therapy can help you to easily transition between the seasons? There are so many benefits to receiving an Autumn Massage, here are just a few...

Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Anxiety, Depression and SAD

Massage Therapy with Teresa Graham RMT for Anxiety, Depression, SAD in CalgaryEase Anxiety, Depression and SAD with regular Massage sessions

​Back to school, sports, indoor activities, the '9 to 5', family holiday gatherings... all of these happenings are good, but they can leave you feeling overwhelmed and fatigued. Decreasing amounts of sunshine and daylight begin to take a toll on your mind and your spirit. Anxiety and Depression increase and can lead to exhaustion.

Massage Therapy helps to naturally balance your hormones. Lowering the release of cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing serotonin (a mood stabilizer) and dopamine levels (helps to battle depression and increases clarity and focus).

Your Massage Therapy appointment gives your mind and body a "time out". This is a great opportunity to rejuvenate and re-energize so that you can keep your life on track

Massage Therapy is a Natural Immune System Booster

PictureMassage is a natural Immune Booster
This time of year we spend more time indoors and often in the close company of others, an optimal scenario for the spread of viruses. Preventative action can help you to stay healthy.

​Massage Therapy helps to boost your body's white blood cell activity, which strengthens your immune system. It also helps you to sleep better, which always goes hand to hand with staying healthier.

Get a Better Nights Sleep with Massage

Massage Therapy brings better sleep with Teresa Graham RMT in CalgarySleep better after your Massage Therapy session
A good nights sleep leads to better health, eases depression and is a time for your body to kick into it's innate self-healing mode. Massage Therapy helps to boost serotonin and melatonin production which are key hormones for regulating your sleep cycle.

Massage as a Stress Buster

Massage Therapy for Stress with Teresa Graham RMT in CalgaryEase Stress with Massage
When stressed our heart rate and blood pressure increase and muscles become tense and tight. Massage Therapy will help to release your shoulders from your ears, lower your heart rate and decrease blood pressure. In a more relaxed state your stress becomes more manageable. 

Reduce Pain and Inflammation with Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy for Arthritis in NW Calgary with Teresa Graham RMTGood for Arthritis, Massage Therapy eases joint and muscle pain
Colder weather often brings an increase in muscle and joint pain, especially for those who deal with arthritis. Back to school/study/computer posture places more stress and tension on the muscles of the neck, back and shoulders which can lead to increased headaches, jaw tightness and muscle pain.

A Massage Therapy session increases blood flow to muscles, joints and connective tissues while helping to ease inflammation. Greater blood flow and reduced muscle tension eases stress on joints so that they are able to move more freely and with reduced pain. Massage helps to loosen the strained muscles that can become tense with studying as well as increased computer and desk time. Through releasing muscle tension the body moves into it's better, more natural posture resulting in fewer headaches, joint pains and neck strain.

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    Teresa Graham,
    ​RMT,  D.I.Hom
     

    Immersed in Holistic Health activities both personally and as a career I find it a path of continual learning...there's so much to share! More about me...

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Teresa Graham, RMT

Registered Massage Therapy and Holistic Health Sessions
#6 4624 Varsity Drive NW
Calgary
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Est. 1994
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